But that wasn’t the case in an area on I-90 in Avon Wednesday morning, the scene of a fatal crash that killed 63-year-old Peter Maglis of Campbell, who worked for Athos Painting.

The crash is something those working on busy highways fear the most.

“It is scary,” said Nikitas Katsourakis, a road construction worker. “It’s scary to know your only protection out there is just a plastic barrel and a yellow vest.”

ODOT officials said speed reductions are not always used in construction zones.

A look at ODOT procedures show that many factors are considered before traffic is slowed down, and that unnecessarily reducing the speed limit can introduce undesirable speed variances into the traffic flow.

Those who work on busy highways like I-90 said they would like the speed reduced when crews are out.

If the speeds aren’t lowered, workers rely on motorists to use extra caution in work zones.

“Be mindful of their surroundings, be mindful of any signs, that’s all I could really say to make anything safer,” Katsourakis said. “If people could reduce speed, not asking for 25, maybe 50, keep in mind there are people working behind these orange barrels.”

Avon police are continuing to investigate and no charges have been filed.